I know everyone's excited for Wilson, but this is the part that melted my heart.

Filling in for the injured Leroy Hill, linebacker Malcolm Smith played well in his first career start. With only 75 career snaps to his name, last year’s seventh round pick played a career high 49 in this game, finishing with an overall grade of +2.1. His four stops were second on the team as he did a nice job shedding pulling linemen in the running game to make plays, while only allowing eight yards on his two targets in the passing game. It was a good showing for Smith who was rarely caught out of position and made the necessary plays when they came to him.

God, I have wanted Smith to succeed for so long. My favorite pick at the time of the 2011 draft. Maybe he is the successor to Leroy Hill?????

Okung also got a great grade, and nice tidbit on Tate in this article!

Smith looked big too (maybe my crap cable) which would be great with San Fran coming to town with their monster oline. LB shedding blocks would be key to stopping their running game and forcing QB to beat us.

I said it in the Leroy Hill thread that I noticed Smith quite a bit in there. And every time it was because he was making a good play. Makes me feel a lot better about that situation after this season knowing we have a capable replacement for Hill.

"We don't even need your stupid a-- that much. We can win Super Bowls with retired Kerry f------- Collins right now, and you want to be the highest paid player of all-time? F--- you." - Tical21 to Russell Wilson, 6/30/15

Every time I've seen Smith he's looked good. It's honestly a wonder why the team hasn't played him almost at all. It's not like Hill is all that great this season. That makes me think they don't view Smith as much more than as depth. Should be interesting to see what they do this offseason.

What I am looking for is consistency. First and second year players tend to have "good and then not so good" games. What we all like about Russell Wilson is his consistency week after week...getting better each week. How much longer can he go without "falling off" in his play? We can all name players who shine one game.....and then "blows chunks" the next. Pro Bowl players tend to play at a higher level with consistency. Can Mr. Smith rise to be a top level LBer? We'll see.